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Aftermath of the Postville Raid

This event is scheduled to occur on Friday, June 22, 2012; 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (not Mountain Daylight Time), which is the same as Pacific Daylight Time, in the Phoenix Convention Center, 120 D.

Program Description

The Aftermath of the Postville Raid workshop will look at the supportive, intentional relationships formed in the aftermath of the Postville raid, like the U-Visa Resettlement Project in Decorah, IA; the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Society of Blackhawk County in Cedar Falls, IA; and the UUs of San Mateo, CA. These are powerful and concrete examples of how we can all become social justice agents and help TURN our communities into more peaceful, just and equitable places for everyone.

This workshop will be a living guide for individuals; congregations and communities who want to become involved in welcoming and supporting immigrants in the U.S. The session will feature testimonies from four individuals with an active connection to a group of young people who have received a "U" Visa. The lives of the young people, their families, and the four individuals who helped them navigate their new life in the U.S. have all been transformed. They all have experienced a U-turn.

In addition, portions of the documentary "abUSed: The Postville Raid" will be screened and images of the The U-turn documentary project (work-in-progress) will be shown.

President Obama’s recent executive decision to not deport hundreds of thousands of young people referred to as the DREAMERS provides new opportunities for faith-based communities to be part of real, meaningful transformations.

In the coming months, communities who wish to support the DREAMERS will need guidance and resources to help them along the way. This workshop is a starting point.

For more information please read "From Service to Solidarity: Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County, Cedar Falls, IA, Supports Local Immigrant Family."